Aerospace Materials Lead: Planning & Purchasing

Tom Trese Networking LLC; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 78,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tom Trese Networking LLC in Rockford, IL, is seeking a Materials Lead to oversee day-to-day material planning, procurement, and inventory control for our precision aerospace manufacturing.

You will optimize inventory, coordinate with Engineering, Production, and Quality, manage ERP/MRP processes, and drive continuous improvement across sites. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related field, 3–5 years in materials management, and strong Excel and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years in materials management, supply chain, purchasing, or production planning.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, precision machining, or manufacturing.
• Strong ERP/MRP experience (Epicor, Infor, SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical and Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute production material plans aligned with customer demand and master production schedules.
• Manage MRP recommendations and ensure timely release of purchase orders and manufacturing orders.
• Analyze excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory and develop reduction plans.
• Establish inventory policies including safety stock and reorder points.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supplier agreements.
• Develop strategic supplier relationships focused on quality, cost, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Coordinate daily material availability with production scheduling.
• Lead shortage meetings and establish recovery plans.
• Support engineering changes and material transitions.
• Ensure material transactions are completed accurately within the ERP system.
• Lead Productivity Projects focused on supplier performance improvement and PPV savings.
• Improve inventory turns and cash utilization.
• Reduce supplier lead times.
• Improve supplier on-time delivery.
• Standardize planning processes across locations.

Job description

Tom Trese Networking LLC in Rockford, IL, is seeking a Materials Lead to oversee day-to-day material planning, procurement, and inventory control for our precision aerospace manufacturing.

You will optimize inventory, coordinate with Engineering, Production, and Quality, manage ERP/MRP processes, and drive continuous improvement across sites. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in a related field, 3–5 years in materials management, and strong Excel and analytical skills.